People living with mental illness or addiction issues in Melbourne's west will soon have greater access to the support they need, with the Allan Labor Government expanding public residential rehab facility Westside Lodge.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today visited the dual diagnosis unit located at Sunshine Hospital to inspect the additional 10 beds now available for people undertaking its three-month therapeutic program, thanks to a $10.2 million investment from the Labor Government.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Western Health, the project will expand Westside Lodge capacity to a larger 30-bed residential unit, with refurbished common areas - giving staff the ability to treat up to an additional 40 people per year.
Operated by Western Health, Westside Lodge provides 24-hour care and support through its therapeutic program, helping Victorians with addiction issues, as well as mental health issues, who may be experiencing withdrawal, and need to continue their treatment.
Designed to provide a calming and therapeutic environment for consumers and their families, the upgrade will also help to reduce pressure on other health services across the western suburbs once it reaches its full capacity.
The Victorian Budget 2023/24 invested $372 million in alcohol and other drug support services - doubling the yearly funding for services since the Labor Government came to office.
The Labor Government is delivering the biggest modernisation of a mental health system in Australian history, investing more than $6 billion to deliver every single recommendation from the Royal Commission.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
"An expanded Westside Lodge will mean many more people in Melbourne's west will be able to receive the critical rehabilitation and mental health services they need, closer to home."
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
"We're delivering more mental health beds and upgraded facilities to support Victorians - also helping to take pressure off our busy emergency departments and hardworking doctors and nurses."
As stated by Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman
"The purpose-built facility at Westside Lodge is already providing vital support in our local community and across the west - this refurbishment and the additional beds, will make a significant difference to people seeking help."
As stated by Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly
"The expansion of Westside Lodge will ensure more people in Sunshine and surrounding communities including Laverton can get the critical rehab and mental health support they need."
As stated by Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch
"This important project has upgraded Westside Lodge's capacity for care and refurbished existing facilities ensuring our communities in Melbourne's west have access to world class mental health facilities."
